Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Monthly Grants Program provides funding of $250 to $1,500 per financial year to support community projects, social inclusion initiatives, arts activities, youth participation opportunities, and local events that create positive outcomes across the Yarra Ranges. The program is open to eligible not-for-profit organizations, community groups, charities, and individuals working through an auspice organization.
Applications are accepted monthly for ten months of the year, helping local communities deliver projects that strengthen social connections, encourage participation, and improve community wellbeing.
What is the Monthly Grants Program?
The Monthly Grants Program is a community funding initiative that supports small-scale projects and activities designed to strengthen local communities in the Yarra Ranges.
The program provides financial assistance for projects that promote community engagement, social inclusion, youth development, arts participation, and community wellbeing. Funding is available throughout most of the year, allowing community groups and individuals to apply when opportunities arise rather than waiting for a single annual funding round.
Funding Overview
- Program Name: Monthly Grants Program
- Location: Yarra Ranges, Australia
- Funding Available: $250 to $1,500 per financial year
- Funding Type: Grant funding and in-kind support
- Application Frequency: Monthly
- Funding Rounds Not Held: June and December
- Notification Period: Approximately four weeks after closing date
- Funding Availability: Until annual program funds are exhausted
Key Focus Areas
The program supports projects that contribute to:
- Community development
- Social inclusion
- Community participation
- Community wellbeing
- Arts and cultural activities
- Youth engagement
- Youth leadership pathways
- Local events
- Community capacity building
- Volunteer participation
- Community connections
- Small-scale equipment purchases
- Community fundraising activities
Programme Objectives
The Monthly Grants Program aims to:
- Build stronger communities
- Increase social inclusion
- Encourage local participation
- Support community-led initiatives
- Create opportunities for young people
- Strengthen local networks
- Promote arts and cultural engagement
- Improve community wellbeing
- Support grassroots community development
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit community groups
- Registered charities
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations
- Community associations
- Volunteer-led groups
- Local arts organizations
- Community-based initiatives
All funded projects must benefit communities within the Yarra Ranges.
Eligibility for Individuals and Unincorporated Groups
Individual applicants and groups that are not incorporated may still apply through an auspice arrangement.
This includes:
- Individual artists
- Community groups
- Arts groups
- Informal community networks
The auspice organization must be an eligible incorporated entity that accepts responsibility for managing the grant.
Funding Amounts
General Community Projects
Eligible applicants may request funding between:
- Minimum: $250
- Maximum: $1,500 per financial year
Funding may include:
- Cash grants
- In-kind support
- A combination of both
The total annual value cannot exceed the maximum funding limit.
Fundraising Events
Funding for fundraising events is limited to:
- Maximum: $500
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how the event will contribute to social inclusion and community participation.
Equipment and Materials
Projects focused primarily on purchasing equipment or materials are limited to:
- Maximum: $750
The equipment must directly support community outcomes and project delivery.
Eligible Activities
The program supports a broad range of community initiatives.
Examples include:
- Community events
- Local festivals
- Social inclusion activities
- Arts projects
- Community workshops
- Youth engagement initiatives
- Volunteer programs
- Community learning opportunities
- Cultural activities
- Community wellbeing projects
- Small-scale neighbourhood activities
- Pathway programs for young people
Projects should demonstrate clear benefits for local residents.
Youth Participation Opportunities
The program encourages projects that:
- Increase youth participation
- Support youth leadership
- Build confidence and skills
- Create pathways for young people
- Encourage community involvement
- Foster social connections
Youth-focused initiatives are strongly encouraged where they deliver positive community outcomes.
Arts and Cultural Projects
Eligible arts activities may include:
- Community art projects
- Exhibitions
- Workshops
- Creative participation programs
- Local cultural events
- Public art initiatives
- Artistic development opportunities
Projects should demonstrate community engagement and public benefit.
Project Timing Requirements
To be eligible:
- Projects must not start earlier than eight weeks after the relevant application closing date.
- Activities must occur after funding decisions have been made.
- Retrospective funding is not available.
Projects or events occurring during the same month as application submission are automatically ineligible.
Multiple Applications
Organizations may submit applications for multiple projects throughout the year.
However:
- Total funding cannot exceed $1,500 per financial year.
- Each project must meet eligibility requirements.
- Funding availability depends on remaining program resources.
Insurance Requirements
Applicants must hold suitable public liability insurance that covers the funded activity during the project period.
Some youth participation projects may be exempt if:
- Insurance is already provided through a sporting organization.
- Insurance is covered through the auspice organization.
Applicants should verify insurance requirements before applying.
Permits and Compliance Requirements
Successful applicants are responsible for obtaining:
- Event permits
- Activity approvals
- Venue permissions
- Regulatory approvals
- Any other required licenses
All legal and compliance obligations must be met before project delivery.
Previous Grant Obligations
Before applying, applicants must ensure:
- Previous grant reports have been submitted.
- Outstanding commitments have been completed.
- Council funding obligations have been fulfilled.
Incomplete reporting may affect eligibility for future funding.
Why This Grant Matters
Small grants often play a critical role in supporting grassroots community initiatives that may not qualify for larger funding programs.
The Monthly Grants Program helps local groups:
- Launch new community activities
- Increase community participation
- Build social connections
- Support vulnerable populations
- Encourage volunteer engagement
- Strengthen local networks
- Improve community wellbeing
By providing accessible funding throughout the year, the program enables communities to respond quickly to local needs and opportunities.
Expected Community Benefits
Funded projects may contribute to:
- Stronger social connections
- Increased community participation
- Greater inclusion
- Improved youth engagement
- Enhanced local wellbeing
- More vibrant community life
- Increased volunteer involvement
- Better access to community activities
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure that:
- Your organization meets eligibility requirements.
- Your project will take place in the Yarra Ranges.
- The activity benefits local communities.
Step 2: Develop Your Project Plan
Clearly define:
- Project objectives
- Community benefits
- Target participants
- Timeline
- Expected outcomes
Step 3: Prepare Your Budget
Include:
- Requested funding amount
- Project expenses
- Other funding sources (if applicable)
Ensure all costs comply with funding guidelines.
Step 4: Verify Insurance and Permits
Confirm:
- Public liability insurance coverage
- Required permits and approvals
- Compliance with local regulations
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Applications close on the last day of each eligible month.
Applicants are typically notified approximately four weeks after the closing date.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for retrospective funding
- Scheduling activities too soon after application submission
- Requesting funding above category limits
- Failing to demonstrate community benefit
- Missing insurance requirements
- Incomplete budgets
- Outstanding grant reporting obligations
- Applying for projects outside the Yarra Ranges
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding can I apply for?
Eligible applicants may request between $250 and $1,500 per financial year.
Can individuals apply?
Yes. Individuals may apply through an eligible incorporated organization acting as an auspice body.
Are fundraising events eligible?
Yes. Fundraising events can receive up to $500 if they clearly contribute to social inclusion.
Can I apply for equipment purchases?
Yes. Equipment and materials projects may receive up to $750.
Can my organization submit multiple applications?
Yes. Multiple applications are permitted provided the total annual funding does not exceed $1,500.
Can projects begin immediately after applying?
No. Projects must not commence earlier than eight weeks after the funding round closes.
Do projects need to take place in the Yarra Ranges?
Yes. All funded activities must occur within the Yarra Ranges and benefit local communities.
Conclusion
The Yarra Ranges Monthly Grants Program provides flexible, accessible funding for community groups, charities, arts organizations, and local initiatives working to create positive community outcomes. By supporting social inclusion, youth participation, arts activities, community events, and grassroots development projects, the program helps strengthen local connections, improve wellbeing, and build more resilient communities throughout the Yarra Ranges.
For more information, visit Yarra Ranges Shire Council.
